Method for the Production of a Sealing Tape Roll

ABSTRACT

A method for the production of a sealing tape roll of flexible, compressible foam with at least one barrier layer extending in the radial direction, which is arranged axially between two layers of foam. The method includes providing a foam web of a flexible foam; applying a first barrier layer to a first surface of the foam web; and introducing at least one first cut into the first surface of the foam web and introducing at least one second cut into a second surface of the foam web opposite the first surface to form parallel sealing tape strips. A connecting section remains between two adjacent sealing tape strips. The sealing tape strips are then folded over in the area of the connecting sections to produce a foam-barrier layer web, and the foam-barrier layer web is wound up into a sealing tape roll.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application Claims priority to European Patent Application No. EP17 189 098.1, filed Sep. 1, 2017, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for the production of asealing tape roll of flexible, compressible foam with at least onebarrier layer extending in the radial direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sealing tapes unwound from sealing tape rolls are usually used to sealjoints such as those between a frame profile of a window or a door and abuilding wall to seal the joints against drafts and driving rain. Filmsadditionally provided on a lateral surface of the sealing tape increasethe impermeability of the tape to water vapor; see, for example, U.S.Pat. No. 4,401,716, US 2010/009118 A1 and US 2010/003465 A1. Becausethese films, which are applied externally to the sealing tape, sufferfrom the disadvantage that they can be damaged during the transport orinstallation of the sealing tape, it is now common practice for filmsforming a barrier layer to be arranged inside the sealing tape.

Various methods are known for the production of sealing tapes withbarrier layers on the inside. These methods involve the introduction offilms or similar materials capable of forming a barrier layer into asealing tape. US 2016/060068 A1, for example, describes a method inwhich at least two foam strips are provided. One of the side surfaces ofone of the foam strips is provided with a film strip and with anadhesive tape strip or an adhesive-like fluid medium. The two foamstrips are then brought together in such a way that a foam-barrier layerweb is obtained, in which a barrier layer is arranged between adjacentfoam strips, the barrier layer being formed by the film strip and theadhesive strip or adhesive-like fluid medium. In this method, it hasbeen found disadvantageous that a considerable amount of effort isrequired to make available individual foam strips equipped with barrierlayer material. The larger the number of barrier layers which thesealing tape is intended to have, the greater this effort.

US 2016/059536 A1 describes an alternative method for the production ofsealing tape rolls with an interior barrier layer. In this method, afoam web is produced first. Then a plurality of cuts extending in thelongitudinal direction is made in the foam web to form parallel foamstrips. Then a film strip and an adhesive tape strip or an adhesive-likefluid medium are introduced into each of the intermediate spaces betweentwo adjacent foam strips produced by the cuts. All of the foam stripsare bonded together to produce a foam-barrier layer web, in which thefoam strips and the at least one barrier layer alternate. It issometimes difficult to introduce the barrier layer material reliablyinto the very narrow intermediate spaces and to ensure that the materialis distributed uniformly over the entire thickness of the foam web or ofthe foam strips. It is possible only with considerable difficulty tocheck the introduced barrier layer after the material has beenintroduced. In addition, complicated deflection devices must be providedto introduce a film strip into an intermediate space formed by a cut,for example.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for theproduction of a sealing tape roll with at least one interior, radiallyoriented barrier layer which make it possible to produce a sealing taperoll reliably, easily, and at low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, the method for producing asealing tape roll out of flexible, compressible foam with at least onebarrier layer extending in the radial direction and arranged axiallybetween two layers of foam comprises the steps of: (1) providing a foamweb consisting of flexible foam; (2) applying a first barrier layer to afirst surface of the foam web; (3) introducing at least one first cutinto the first surface of the foam web in a longitudinal direction ofthe foam web and introducing at least one second cut into a secondsurface of the foam web opposite the first surface in a longitudinaldirection of the foam web and offset from the at least one first cut ina transverse direction of the foam web to form parallel sealing tapestrips, wherein a connecting section remains between two adjacentsealing tape strips; (4) folding over the sealing tape strips in thearea of the connecting sections to produce a foam-barrier layer web insuch a way that subsections of the first surface, each of which isadjacent to a common connecting section, are opposite each other, andsubsections of the second surface, each of which is adjacent to a commonconnecting section, are opposite each other; and (5) winding up thefoam-barrier layer web to form a sealing tape roll with at least onebarrier layer extending in the radial direction, or winding up thefoam-barrier layer web to form an intermediate roll and cutting throughthe intermediate roll at one or more points in the axial direction toproduce a plurality of sealing tape rolls, each of which has at leastone barrier layer extending in the radial direction, which rolls arenarrower than the intermediate roll; or introducing at least one cutinto the foam-barrier layer web in a longitudinal direction of thefoam-barrier layer web to form foam-barrier layer strips and winding upthe foam-barrier layer strips into individual sealing tape rolls, eachof which has a barrier layer extending in the radial direction.

A “first cut” in the present context is a cut which is introduced intothe first surface of the foam web. A “second cut” is a cut which isintroduced into the second surface of the foam web. The terms “first”and “second” are not intended to specify a chronological sequence forthe production of the cuts in the foam web. For example, it is possiblethat a second cut could be made before a first cut. All of the cutscould also be made in the foam web simultaneously.

The method makes it possible to apply a barrier layer easily,efficiently, and easily verifiably to a foam web and then, by cuttingand folding over the individual sealing tape strips along the connectingsections, to have this barrier layer arranged in the interior of afoam-barrier layer web. At the same time, no considerable effort isrequired to provide a plurality of foam strips with barrier layers andthus to produce foam-barrier layer webs with any desired number ofinterior barrier layers, from which in turn sealing tape rolls with anydesired number of interior barrier layers can be easily formed.

The method preferably comprises the application of a second barrierlayer to the second surface of the foam web. The second barrier layercan also be applied just as easily, efficiently, and easily verifiablyas the first barrier layer to the foam web and thus makes it easy toincrease the number of interior barrier layers in the foam-barrier layerweb. The second barrier layer can consist of the same material as thefirst barrier layer or can be made of a different material.

It is also preferred that at least two first cuts and/or at least twosecond cuts be introduced into the foam web in such a way that, whenseen in the transverse direction of the foam web, a first cut and asecond cut are present in the foam web in alternation. This means that,in the transverse direction of the foam web, a second cut is arrangedbetween two first cuts and/or a first cut is arranged between two secondcuts. As a result, after the sealing tape strip has been folded over, afoam-barrier layer web is obtained in which the subsections of the firstsurface adjacent to a common connecting section are opposite each other,and the subsections of the second surface adjacent to a commonconnecting section are opposite each other.

The at least one first cut and the at least one second cut arepreferably introduced at uniform distances from each other in thetransverse direction of the foam web to produce sealing tape strips ofuniform width. After the sealing tape strips have been folded over inthe area of the connecting sections, the foam-barrier layer web thuscomprises a uniform height or thickness and is extremely well-adapted tofurther processing into a sealing tape roll. It is obvious, however,that the cuts can also be introduced at unequal distances from eachother in order to produce in this way a profiled foam-barrier layer web.

In one embodiment, in which a second barrier layer is applied to thesecond surface, the at least one first cut can pass all the way throughthe foam web, so that the at least one connecting section in the area ofthe second surface is formed by the second barrier layer alone. The atleast one second cut does not, in this case, pass all the way throughthe foam web, so that the at least one connecting section in the area ofthe first surface comprises a foam bridge.

Alternatively, the at least one first cut does not pass all the waythrough the foam web, so that the at least one connecting section in thearea of the second surface comprises a foam bridge, and the at least onesecond cut passes all the way through the foam web, so that the at leastone connecting section in the area of the first surface is formed by thefirst barrier layer alone. If desired, a second barrier layer can beapplied, or not, to the second surface.

In another alternative embodiment, neither the at least one first cutnor the at least one second passes all the way through the foam web, sothat the at least one connecting section in the area of the firstsurface comprises a foam bridge, and the at least one connecting sectionin the area of the second surface also comprises a foam bridge. Ifdesired, a second barrier layer can be applied to the second surface, ornot.

Finally, in another alternative embodiment in which a second barrierlayer is applied to the second surface, both the at least one first cutand the at least one second cut pass all the way through the foam web,so that the at least one connecting section in the area of the firstsurface is formed by the first barrier layer alone, and the at least oneconnecting section in the area of the second surface is formed by thesecond barrier layer alone.

It can be seen that there are many different possible variations here,from which the skilled person can choose. Thus, the properties of thefoam-barrier layer web, especially those pertaining to the number andarrangement of the barrier layers, the distribution of the barrierlayers within the foam-barrier layer web, and their extension throughthe foam-barrier layer web, can be adapted as desired without causingany significant increase in the complexity of the production method.

Depending on the depth of the at least one first cut and/or of the atleast one second cut, a foam bridge remains, if desired, between twoadjacent foam strips, the thickness of which can be selected. So that itis easy to fold the sealing tape over along the connecting sections, theconnecting sections should be made as thin as possible. Thethinnest-possible connecting sections are formed by the first and/or thesecond barrier layer alone. But because it is possible that these can becut through even if there is only a slight error during the cuttingoperation, it is advisable to allow thin foam bridges to remain when thecuts are made, which bridges will then contribute their part to theconnecting sections.

The at least one foam bridge preferably has a maximum thickness of 10mm, more preferably a maximum of 5 mm, and even more preferably amaximum of 1-2 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying anadditional material, wherein the additional material is applied to thefirst surface of the foam web and/or to the second surface of the foamweb and/or to the first barrier layer and/or to the second barrierlayer. This additional material can give the sealing tape specialproperties.

The cutting-through of the intermediate roll according to alternative(ii) or the introduction of the at least one cut according toalternative (iii) are preferably carried out on a foam strip of theintermediate roll in the former case and on a foam strip of thefoam-barrier layer web in the latter case. Damage to the at least oneinterior barrier layer is thus avoided.

The method preferably comprises, after the folding-over step, thebonding-together of the opposing subsections of the first or secondsurface of the sealing tape strips which have been provided with thefirst barrier layer or the second barrier layer. Thus a cohesivefoam-barrier layer web can be created, in which there is no danger thatthe sealing tape strips can unfold undesirably during the further courseof the method. This simplifies further processing. In addition, thebonding-together of the sealing tape strips ensures that the sealingtape rolls produced from them later will have sufficient cohesion in theaxial direction.

It is preferred here that, before the sealing tape strips are bondedtogether, the sealing tape strips be heated, so that the adhesion of thefirst barrier layer and/or of the second barrier layer is increased forthe sake of the bond between the sealing tape strips, wherein theheating is preferably conducted before the sealing tape strips arefolded over. As a result, the material of the first barrier layer and/orof the second barrier layer is brought into a state in which it isadapted to the bonding together of the foam strips which are adjacent toeach other. In particular after the cooling of the barrier layers, acohesion between the foam strips is created which preferably requires noadditional bonding material such as an adhesive. The heating before thefolding-over of the sealing tape strips offers the advantage that thefirst and/or the second barrier layer can be heated uniformly over alarge surface area of the foam web. It is also conceivable, however,that the sealing tape strips could be heated after they have been foldedover. In this case, only sections of the first and/or of the secondbarrier layer at the edges of the foam-barrier layer web are heatedappropriately. The heating can also be carried out in such a way,however, that the first and/or the second barrier layer in the interiorof the foam-barrier layer web is heated appropriately. Thebonding-together step preferably also comprises the step of pressing thefoam strips at least lightly together.

An adhesive layer can be applied to a surface of the foam-barrier layerweb or to a surface of the foam-barrier layer strips orientedtransversely to the barrier layers. This adhesive layer is preferablyformed by a double-sided adhesive tape, which is covered on an outsidesurface by a protective film which can be peeled off. The adhesive layerincreases the cohesion of the sealing tape strips and leadsadvantageously to the result that the sealing tape rolls produced laterfrom them comprise an outward-facing-adhesive layer, by which the stripscan be applied quickly and easily to the frame profile of a window ordoor frame.

In another aspect of the invention, the method for producing a sealingtape roll of flexible, compressible foam with a barrier layer extendingin the radial direction which is arranged axially between two layers offoam comprises the steps of: (1) providing a foam web consisting of aflexible foam; (2) applying a barrier layer to a first surface of thefoam web; (3) introducing a cut into a second surface of the foam webopposite the first surface in a longitudinal direction of the foam webto form parallel sealing tape strips, wherein a connecting sectionremains between the sealing tape strips; (4) folding over the sealingtape strips in the area of the connecting section to produce afoam-barrier layer web, such that two subsections of the first surfaceadjacent to the connecting section are opposite each other; and (5)winding up the foam-barrier layer web into a sealing tape roll with abarrier layer extending in the radial direction.

In this way, it is also possible to produce easily a sealing tape rollor a foam-barrier layer web with precisely one interior barrier layer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the sealing elementcomprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfacesconnecting the top and bottom surfaces and also comprises at least threesealing tape sections, which are arranged next to each other in afunctional direction of the sealing element, wherein the functionaldirection is parallel to the top surface and to the bottom surface andperpendicular to the side surfaces, and at least one first barrier layersection and at least one second barrier layer section, each of which isaccommodated between two adjacent sealing tape sections. The at leastone first barrier layer section and the at least one second barrierlayer section each connect the adjacent sealing tape sections to eachother and extend parallel to the side surfaces in the sealing element.The at least one first barrier layer section and the at least one secondbarrier layer section each form a loop between the adjacent sealing tapesections, wherein the at least one first barrier layer section forms theloop in the area of the bottom surface of the sealing element, and theat least one second barrier layer section forms the loop in the area ofthe top surface to sealing element.

Since the sealing tape sections are folded over in the area ofconnecting sections, a sealing tape is thus provided which can beproduced especially easily and cheaply. Previously formed barrier layersections are arranged inside the sealing element. When the sealing tapesections are folded over in the area of the connecting sections, theloop is formed in the at least one first and/or in the at least onesecond barrier layer section.

The sealing element preferably comprises several first and/or severalsecond barrier layer sections, wherein, when seen in the functionaldirection, a first barrier layer section and a second barrier layersection always occur in alternation. Thus it is also possible to providesealing elements of considerable width containing a plurality ofinterior barrier layer sections.

It is preferable for the at least one first barrier layer section andthe at least one second barrier layer section to comprise a film. A filmis especially well adapted to the formation of a connecting sectionbetween two sealing tape sections and to the formation of a barrierlayer within the sealing element. Above all, films can be usedeffectively to adapt the sealing properties of the sealing element tothe given requirements, in particular with respect to the resistance tothe diffusion of water vapor.

Each loop preferably comprises two substantially parallel legs and acurved part which connects the legs, wherein the two legs are bonded toeach other. As a result, the sealing tape sections adjacent to the loopare securely bonded together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows by way of example the step of applying a first barrierlayer to a first surface of a foam web;

FIG. 1b shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a foam web, ontowhich a first and a second barrier layer have been applied;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step of introducingfirst and second cuts into the foam web of FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step of foldingover the sealing tape strips of FIG. 2 produced during the cutting step;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a foam-barrier layerweb produced by the folding-over step according to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step of winding upthe foam-barrier layer web of FIG. 4 into a sealing tape roll;

FIG. 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step of cutting anintermediate roll formed from the foam-barrier layer web of FIG. 4 allthe way through to produce a plurality of sealing tape rolls in analternative embodiment of the method according to the invention;

FIG. 5c shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step ofintroducing a cut into the foam-barrier layer web of FIG. 4 and the stepof winding up foam-barrier layer strips into individual sealing taperolls in another alternative embodiment of the method according to theinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a foam web with a firstbarrier layer as a basis for an alternative embodiment of the methodaccording to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step of introducinga cut into the foam web of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step of foldingover the sealing tape strips of FIG. 7 produced during the cutting step;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a foam-barrier layerweb produced by the folding-over step according to FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step ofintroducing first and second cuts into a plurality of stacked foam websaccording to another alternative embodiment of the method according tothe invention;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the step of foldingover the sealing tape sections of FIG. 10 produced by the cutting step;and

FIG. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a foam-barrier layerweb produced by the folding-over step according to FIG. 11 with adetailed view of a connecting section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1a shows the first steps of an exemplary embodiment of the methodaccording to the invention. A flexible foam in the form of a wound-upfoam web 4 is provided on an output roll 2. The flexible foam isprovided on output roll 2 in long lengths of up to 500 m, preferably of3-300 m, and more preferably of 5-200 m. Any of the known, open-cell,mixed-cell, or closed-cell flexible foams can be used which recoverafter compression such as foams made of, for example, polyurethane,polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene. The foam web 4 canalready be impregnated in the known manner prior to processing to delayits recovery.

Because it is provided on output roll 2, the foam web can be very easilytransported and processed. Foam web 4 is usually present on output roll2 in an uncompressed or only slightly compressed state. It is alsopossible that foam web 4 on output roll 2 could be in a compressedstate, but then, after it has been unwound from the output roll, it mustbe ensured that the foam material has had enough chance to recoverproperly before processing. The width of foam web 4 is usually in therange between 1 cm and 5 m, preferably in the range of 0.5-1.5 m. Thethickness of foam web 4 in the relaxed state is usually in the rangebetween 5 mm and 30 cm, preferably in the range between 10 mm and 10 cm.

After it has been unwound from output roller 2, foam web 4 is moved in aconveying direction, indicated by the arrow F. Then a first barrierlayer 6 is applied to a first surface 8 of foam web 4 to form in thisway a laminated foam web. In the embodiment shown, the first surface isformed by the upward-facing surface of foam web 4.

As an option, a second barrier layer 10 (not shown) could also beapplied to a second surface 12 of the foam web opposite first surface 8after the foam web has been unwound from output roll 2. Second surface12 corresponds, in the present case, to the bottom surface of foam web4. The method according to the invention is described in the followingby reference to an embodiment in which first barrier layer 6 and secondbarrier layer 10 are provided. It is obvious that all features notdescribed explicitly in the following as being dependent on the secondbarrier layer or as properties of it will also be applicable in caseswhere only first barrier layer 6 is used.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a , first barrier layer 6 is formed bya film web, which is provided on a film supply roll 14. Second barrierlayer 10 can also be formed by a film web also provided on a film supplyroll. First barrier layer 6 formed as a film web is preferably appliedfrom above onto first surface 8 of foam web 4. Second barrier layer 10is then, correspondingly, applied from below to second surface 12 offoam web 4. The application of first barrier layer 6 and optionally ofsecond barrier layer 10 is usually conducted in the area of a bondingunit, which is indicated schematically by the roller 16. The applicationof first barrier layer 6 and of second barrier layer 10 usuallycomprises the bonding of barrier layer 6, 10 in question to foam web 4,wherein the bonding step in turn comprises a step of applying heatand/or a step of pressing barrier layer 6, 10 and foam web 4 againsteach other. When a film web is used, the bonding to foam web 4 in thebonding unit is preferably achieved by lamination.

First barrier layer 6 and second barrier layer 10 can each be formed bya web of a single-sided or double-sided adhesive tape. The adhesive sideof an adhesive tape of this type is then usually provided with apeel-off film, which is removed shortly before application to foam web4. First barrier layer 6 and second barrier layer 10 can also be formedby a film web which itself comprises a layer of adhesive tape or a solidlayer of a hot-melt adhesive. Finally, an adhesive-like fluid medium canbe applied by nozzles (e.g., a melt nozzle, a flat nozzle, a mixingnozzle) or by roller application (transfer roller) to foam web 4 to formfirst barrier layer 6 and second barrier layer 10. Depending on theadhesive, the barrier layers can then be bonded to foam web 4,preferably in a bonding unit, wherein the adhesive is usually cured.Chemical and physical types of solidification can in principle beconsidered. Here, too, the bonding of first barrier layer 6 or of secondbarrier layer 10 to foam web 4 will again usually comprise a step ofheat application and/or a step of pressing first barrier layer 6 orsecond barrier layer 10 together with foam web 4. It is also possible toapply a spray adhesive to one side of the film web and to use thiscombination as first barrier layer 6 and second barrier layer 10.Finally, a skin of the foam material of foam web 4 itself can serve asthe barrier layers 6, 10 if the foam web is partially melted on theappropriate side and then allowed to solidify again or if foam web 4already has a skin as a result of the way in which it is produced.

Each step of heat application as mentioned above is carried out by aheating device, usually configured as a hot-air blower. Radiant heatingcan also be used, however, such as heating by an infrared heater ormicrowave heater.

It is also conceivable that first barrier layer 6 and second barrierlayer 10 could be applied only to parts of corresponding first surface 8and second surface 12, respectively. First and second barrier layers 6,10 can also be each configured as multiple parts and cover first andsecond surfaces 8, 12 either completely or partially. For example,individual strips of a barrier layer can be applied in the longitudinaldirection to the first and/or second surface 8, 12. It is also possibleto use different materials for first and second barrier layers 6, 10. Iffirst or second barrier layer 6, 10 consists of multiple parts, theindividual components of first or second barrier layer 6, 10 can also bemade of different materials. It is possible in this way to provide alarge number ways in which the properties can be effectively adapted tothe given requirements.

The function of first barrier layer 6 and, if present, of second barrierlayer 10 is preferably to reduce or to prevent the passage of air and/orwater vapor. First barrier layer 6 and second barrier layer 10 can alsobe configured with “humidity variability”. This means that it changesits resistance to the diffusion of water vapor as a function of theambient humidity. Plastic films of, for example, polyolefins,polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyamide,or similar plastics as well as bioplastics, multilayer films (coexfilms) made of various plastics, physically curing adhesives such asacrylate-based dispersion adhesives, hot-melt or similar adhesives,polycondensation adhesives such as silicones, hybrid polymers, and thelike are especially suitable for the first and second barrier layers.

It is also possible for a foam web 4 which has already been produced andalready laminated with a first barrier layer 6 and/or a second barrierlayer 10 to be wound up on output roll 2.

It can also be desirable to apply an additional material (not shown).The additional material can be already bonded to first barrier layer 6and/or to second barrier layer 10, if present, and thus applied to foamweb 4 in a single step together with corresponding barrier layers 6, 10.Alternatively, the additional material can be applied over the entiresurface or only stripwise even before first barrier layer 6 and secondbarrier layer 10 have been applied to first surface 8 and/or secondsurface 12 of foam web 4. The additional material can also be appliedexternally over the entire surface or only stripwise to barrier layer 6,10 in question only after first barrier layer 6 and second barrier layer10 have been applied. Materials for fire safety (e.g., expandedgraphite, incombustible solids, CO2 emitters, etc.) can be considered inparticular for use as additional material. Materials for insulation(e.g., PU foam, resins, sealants, etc.), materials for sealing againstmoisture (e.g., hydrophobic or hydrophilic substances, substances whichswell on contact with water, etc.), materials for sound damping,materials for controlled ventilation (e.g., catalysts, etc.), materialsfor hygienic purposes (e.g., disinfectants, etc.) and/or materials fortriggering the expansion of the sealing tape (e.g., blowing agents, heatsources, etc.) can be considered. With respect to both the arrangementand the type and properties of the additional materials, the skilledperson will identify alternatives which can be used to fulfill therequirements in question.

FIG. 1b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of foam web 4 after theapplication of first barrier layer 6 to first surface 8 and of secondbarrier layer 10 to second surface 12 of foam web 4.

In the following, the additional steps of an exemplary embodiment of themethod according to the invention will be described on the basis ofFIGS. 2-5, wherein, in these cases, a first and a second barrier layer6, 10 are provided. As previously mentioned, second barrier layer 10 isoptionally provided on second surface 12 and can be omitted. In thatcase, the same method steps are also applicable when only first barrierlayer 6 is provided on first surface 8 of foam web 4. The onlydifference is that fewer barrier layers are formed in the end product.

It can be seen in FIG. 2 how at least one first cut 18 (here, two cuts18) is made in first surface 8 of foam web 4 in a longitudinal directionof foam web 4, namely, a direction which is perpendicular to the planeof the drawing. At least one second cut 20 (here two second cuts 20) ismade in second surface 12 of foam web 4 in the longitudinal direction offoam web 4 and offset in a transverse direction of foam web 4 from theat least one first cut 18. The longitudinal direction is parallel to theconveying direction F. The transverse direction of foam web 4 isindicated in FIG. 2 by the arrow Q. If the section of first surface 8 inthe area of the first cut is covered by first barrier layer 6, thislayer is, logically, cut through. The same relationship applies tosecond cuts 20 in second surface 12 and second barrier layer 10.

As a result of the introduction of the at least one first cut 18 and theat least one second cut 20, parallel sealing tape strips 22 are formed,wherein a connecting section 24 remains between two adjacent sealingtape strips 22. Each sealing tape strip 22 is formed by a foam strip 26and the subsections of first barrier layer 6 and of second barrier layer10 applied to it.

The at least one first cut 18 and the at least one second cut 20 arepreferably introduced by knives 28, more preferably by parallel knives28, into foam web 4 in the longitudinal direction of the foam web 4 andpreferably parallel to the longitudinal edges 30 of the web. Thelongitudinal edges 30 are the edges of the foam web 4 which are parallelto the conveying direction F and orthogonal to the axial direction ofthe output roll 2. To introduce the at least one first cut 18 and the atleast one second cut 20 into the foam web 4, any other method forcutting foam webs 4 known to the skilled person such as sawing can beused as an alternative to the knives 28.

The at least one first cut and the at least one second cut can each passall the way through foam web 4. It is also possible for them not to passall the way through foam web 4, in which case a foam bridge remainsbehind between two adjacent foam strips 26.

Regardless of whether a second barrier layer 10 is provided or not, theat least one second cut 20 can pass completely through foam web 4 or notpass all the way through it. In the case that the at least one secondcut 20 passes all the way through foam web 4, the at least oneconnecting section 24 in the area of first surface 8 is formed by firstbarrier layer 6 alone. If the at least one second cut 20 does not passall the way through foam web 4, the at least one connecting section 24in the area of first surface 8 is formed by a foam bridge and firstbarrier layer 6.

In regard to the at least one first cut 18, a distinction is madebetween whether a second barrier layer 10 is provided or not. Only whensecond barrier layer 10 is applied to second surface 12 of foam web 4can the at least one first cut 18 be introduced into the foam web insuch a way that it passes all the way through it. The at least oneconnecting section 24 in the area of second surface 12 is then formed bysecond barrier layer 10 alone. If the at least one first cut 18 does notpass all the way through the foam web, so that a foam bridge remainsbehind between adjacent foam strips 26, the at least one connectingsection 24 in the area of second surface 12 comprises this foam bridge.If a second barrier layer 10 is present, then the at least oneconnecting section 24 in the area of second surface 12 also comprisessecond barrier layer 10.

In view of the following method steps, it is preferred that connectingsections 24 be made as thin as possible. If connecting sections 24 areformed only by first barrier layer 6 and second barrier layer 10, theseform a kind of hinge joint in the area of connecting sections 24, andthis joint connects two adjacent foam strips 26 in an articulatedmanner. A foam bridge between adjacent foam strips 26 also forms a hingejoint of this type. It must be taken into account, however, that, as thethickness of the foam bridge increases, it becomes more difficult tofold over sealing tape strips 22 in the area of connecting sections 24comprising a foam bridge. If foam bridges are provided, these preferablycomprise a maximum thickness of 10 mm, more preferably a maximum of 5mm, and even more preferably a maximum of 1-2 mm. The foam bridges areespecially well adapted to protecting first barrier layer 6 and secondbarrier layer 10 from damage when the at least one first cut 18 and theat least one second cut 20 are introduced.

FIG. 3 shows the step of folding over sealing tape strips 22 in the areaof connecting sections 24 to produce a foam-barrier layer web 32. Acorresponding foam-barrier layer web 32 is illustrated in FIG. 4.

Sealing tape strips 22 which are separated from each other by a secondcut 20 are connected to each other by a connecting section 24 in thearea of first surface 8. These sealing tape strips 22 are folded over inthe area of these connecting sections 24 in such a way that thesubsections of first surface 8, each of which is adjacent to a commonconnecting section 24, are opposite each other. That is, the subsectionsof first barrier layer 6 of two adjacent sealing tape strips 22 with acommon connecting section 24 in the area of first surface 8 come to restflat against each other.

Sealing tape strips 22 which are separated from each other by a firstcut 18 are connected to each other by a connecting section 24 in thearea of second surface 12. These sealing tape sections 22 are againfolded over in the area of these connecting sections 24 in such a waythat the subsections of second surface 12, each of which is adjacent toa common connecting section 24, are opposite each other. That is, thesubsections of second barrier layer 10 of two adjacent sealing tapestrips 22 with a common connecting section 24 in the area of secondsurface 12 come to rest flat against each other. If second barrier layer10 is not provided, the subsections of second surface 12 of two adjacentsealing tape strips 22 with a common connecting section 24 in the areaof second surface 12 come to rest flat against each other.

The folding-over of sealing tape strips 22 in the area of connectingsections 24 is preferably carried out while foam web 4 or sealing tapestrips 22 are being transported in conveying direction F. For thispurpose, it is possible to open the at least one first cut 18 and the atleast one second cut 20. For example, sealing tape strips 22 located onthe outside in the transverse direction Q of the foam web 4 are grippedand then the foam web 4 is pulled apart in the transverse direction Q toopen the cuts 18, 20. Alternatively, guides are introduced into the atleast one first cut 18 and into the at least one second cut 20 and thenspread the adjacent sealing tape strips 22 gradually apart. The completefolding-over process takes place in both cases by the use of suitableguides, which, for example, exert an appropriate pressure on theopposing surfaces of the sealing tape strips 22 and thus have the effectof folding over sealing tape strips 22.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of foam-barrier layer web 32. As can beseen, the inward-folded subsections of first barrier layer 6 now formbarrier layers which are accommodated between two adjacent foam strips26. If second barrier layer 10 is provided, then its inward-foldedsubsections also form barrier layers, each of which is accommodatedbetween two adjacent foam strips 26. If second barrier layer 10 is notprovided, then the subsections of second surface 12 now adjacent to eachother rest directly against each other.

In FIG. 4, foam-barrier layer web 32 comprises a preferred,substantially flat shape. This is achieved in that the at least onefirst cut 18 and the at least one second cut 20 are introduced atuniform distances from each other in the transverse direction Q of foamweb 4 in order to produce sealing tape strips 22 of equal width. As canbe derived from a joint consideration of FIGS. 2-4, the width of sealingtape strips 22 in foam web 4 according to FIG. 2 is, after thefolding-over step has formed foam-barrier layer web 32 according to FIG.4, equal to the thickness of sealing tape strips 22. A uniform width ofall sealing tape strips 22 of foam web 4 thus leads to a uniformthickness of sealing tape strips 22 of foam-barrier layer web 32.

It might also be desirable, however, for the at least one first cut 18and the at least one second cut 20 to be introduced at unequal intervalsfrom each other in the transverse direction Q of foam web 4. Sealingtape strips 22 of foam web 4 will then have different widths. This leadsto the result that sealing tape strips 22 of foam-barrier layer web 32will have different thicknesses, as a result of which a profiledfoam-barrier layer web 32 is created. Areas of application areconceivable in which, in addition to interior barrier layers 6, 10,certain sections with increased compression in a sealing tape aredesired, which can be achieved with a profiled foam-barrier layer web 32of this type.

With respect to an advantageous shape of foam-barrier layer web 32,furthermore, it is preferred that, in cases where at least two firstcuts 18 and/or at least two second cuts 20 are provided, a first cut 18and a second cut 20 are introduced into foam web 22 in alternation inthe transverse direction Q of foam web 4. As a result, sealing tapestrips 22 come to rest next to each other after they have been foldedover in the area of connecting sections 24 instead of becoming stackedon top of each other. This also contributes to the formation of asubstantially flat foam-barrier layer web 32.

It is also preferred that the subsections of first or of second surface8, 12 of opposing sealing tape strips 22 which have been provided withfirst barrier layer 6 or second barrier layer 10 be bonded to each otherafter the folding-over step. This can be done in particular by heatingsealing tape strips 22 before the bonding, so that the material of firstbarrier layer 6 and, if present, of second barrier layer 10 are heatedto a temperature above their melting points. Depending on the materialof barrier layer 6, 10 in question being used, the same possibilitiesare available here as those already described above concerning thebonding of barrier layers 6, 10 to foam web 4.

The heating of the material of first barrier layer 6 and/or of secondbarrier layer 10 can be done especially easily and uniformly by heatingthe entire foam web 4 before sealing tape strips 22 are folded over.Sealing tape strips 22 are then bonded together as soon as they arefolded over to form foam-barrier layer web 32. It is also possible,however, to fold over sealing tape strips 22 first and then to heatfoam-barrier layer web 32. It can be sufficient to heat only edge areasof barrier layers, 6, 10, as long as a reliable bond can be guaranteedbetween sealing tape strips 22 and foam-barrier layer web 32.

Sealing tape strips 22 of foam-barrier layer web 32 are also preferablypressed against each other after they have been heated. A pressure isapplied transversely to the foam-barrier layer web in a directionperpendicular to the subsections of first and second surfaces 8, 12 andperpendicular to the subsections of first and second barrier layers 6,10. This pressure has the effect of pressing the sealing tape strips tobe bonded against each other by their flat surfaces to achieve areliable bond which is as complete as possible. Even slight pressurescan be enough to accomplish this.

Alternatively, an additional bonding element such as an adhesive can beintroduced between sealing tape strips 22; this can be done either inaddition to the heating of sealing tape strips 22 or instead of theheating of sealing tape strips 22.

If the original foam web 4 has not been impregnated, the omission of theimpregnation step can be rectified here. This is usually done by rollingin an immersion bath of an impregnating agent, squeezing out the excessimpregnating agent, and drying with the use of heat. The impregnationcan also be carried out at other points of the process.

As a result of the folding-over of sealing tape strips 22, the width ofthe structure to be further processed changes from the width of foam web4 to the width of foam-barrier layer web 32. In a preferred embodiment,the at least one first cut 18 and the at least one second cut 20 areintroduced into foam web 4 spaced apart in such a way that the width offoam-barrier layer web 32 is smaller than the width of foam web 4. Itcan therefore be desirable to arrange two foam-barrier layer webs 32next to each other before the subsequent steps and, under certainconditions, to bond them together. It is especially preferable to obtaina bonded foam-barrier layer web 32 with a width which is equal to thewidth of foam web 4. In this way, the overall width of the structure tobe further processed remains constant throughout the entire process. Inthe following, therefore, what is involved can always also be afoam-barrier layer web 32 assembled from several narrower foam-barrierlayer webs 32.

Finally, at least one sealing tape roll 34 is formed from foam-barrierlayer web 32. There are substantially three alternative methodsavailable for doing this, which are described with reference to FIGS.5a, 5b , and 5 c.

If foam-barrier layer web 32 already meets the requirements on thesealing tape to be produced, especially with respect to width and thenumber of interior barrier layers, foam-barrier layer web 32 transportedin the conveying direction F can be wound up immediately into a sealingtape roll 34, as illustrated in FIG. 5a . The sealing tape roll 34comprises at least one interior barrier layer formed from first barrierlayer 6, which extends in the radial direction of sealing tape roll 34and is accommodated axially between two foam strips 26. Several barrierlayers are usually formed by first barrier layer 6, and in addition oneor more barrier layers can also be formed by second barrier layer 10.

If foam-barrier layer web 32 is wider than the sealing tape to beproduced and/or comprises more interior barrier layers than sealing taperoll 34 to be produced is supposed to have, foam-barrier layer web 32can be wound up first to form an intermediate roll 36. As shown in FIG.5b , intermediate roll 36 can be cut through at one or more points inthe axial direction to produce a plurality of sealing tape rolls 34,which are less wide than the intermediate roll 36. Intermediate roll 36is preferably cut through by one or more parallel saws 38. Only one saw38 is shown in FIG. 5b , and another parallel cut for cutting all theway through intermediate roll 36 is indicated in dashed line. The atleast one cut for cutting through intermediate roll 36 is preferablyintroduced into a foam strip 26 in such a way as not to damage theinterior barrier layers. Here, too, other suitable methods for cuttingthrough the roll can also be used (e.g., knives, heated wires, lasercutters, water-jet cutters).

Intermediate roll 36 is cut into sealing tape rolls 34 in such a waythat foam strips 26 and the at least one first barrier layer 6 alternatein the axial direction of sealing tape roll 34. Every radially orientedfirst harrier layer 6 in a sealing tape roll 34 is accommodated betweentwo foam strips 26, as a result of which a sealing tape has increasedsealing effectiveness against drafts and/or vapor diffusion, and eachbarrier layer 6 is protected from external damage at the same time. Ifthe at least one first cut 18 and/or the at least one second cut 20 isintroduced into foam web 4 in such a way that it does not pass all theway through the web, the remaining foam bridges cover the sections offirst or second barrier layer 6, 10 lodged between sealing tape strips22, so that, depending on the direction of the winding, only one of thebarrier layers or neither of barrier layers 6, 10 is visible from theoutside in the rolled-up state of the sealing tape roll 34 or ofintermediate roll 36.

FIG. 5c shows another possibility of the final processing of thefoam-barrier layer web 32 for the production of sealing tape rolls 34.In this variant, foam-barrier layer web 32 is cut all the way through inthe longitudinal direction by one or more knives 40 or saws in the areaof at least one foam strip 26. As a result, at least one cut 42 is madein foam-barrier layer web 32, as a result of which at least twofoam-barrier layer strips 44 are produced. Each of foam-barrier layerstrips 44 can then be wound up into a finished sealing tape roll 34. Inthis way, the step of dividing an intermediate roll 36 shown in FIG. 5bcan be omitted.

In all of the embodiments, foam-barrier layer webs 32 or foam-barrierlayer strips 44 are compressed before they are wound up into sealingtape rolls 34. This can be done either by either upstream compressionrollers or by the pressure on foam-barrier layer web 32 or offoam-barrier layer strips 44 exerted during the winding-up step.Compression rollers 46 for this purpose are shown by way of example inFIG. 5 c.

In all three exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 5a-5c , anadhesive layer can be applied to foam-barrier layer web 32, i.e., to asurface of foam-barrier layer web 32 extending transversely to barrierlayers 6, 10. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5c , it isalso possible to form foam-barrier layer strips 44 first and then toapply the adhesive layer to them. The adhesive layer is preferablyconfigured as double-sided adhesive tape lined on one side with apeel-off film. The adhesive tape is for its own part stored on a spoolor roll, from which it is pulled. The adhesive tape is preferablyapplied to foam-barrier layer web 32 simultaneously with the winding-upof foam-barrier layer web 32 into intermediate roll 36 or into sealingtape roll 34, wherein compression rollers 46 produce the pressure forbonding the adhesive tape to foam-barrier layer web 38 or tofoam-barrier layer strips 44.

In the following, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a methodaccording to the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.6-9. In this example as well, a foam web 4 is provided first, and afirst barrier layer 6 is applied to a first surface 8 of the foam web 4.In this regard, reference can be made to the description of FIG. 1a . Inthis exemplary embodiment, it is preferred that only first barrier layer6 be provided. If desired, however, a second barrier layer 10 can alsobe provided as explained above and applied to second surface 12 of thefoam web.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of foam web 4 after theapplication of first barrier layer 6 to first surface 8. First surface 8preferably corresponds to the top surface of foam web 4, and secondsurface 12 preferably corresponds to the bottom surface of foam web 4.

In FIG. 7 it can be seen how cut 20 is introduced into second surface 12of foam web 4 and extends in the longitudinal direction with foam web 4,which direction is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Thelongitudinal direction is parallel to conveying direction F. Atransverse direction of foam web 4 is indicated in FIG. 7 by the arrowQ.

As a result of the introduction of cut 20 (which also passes all the waythrough second barrier layer 10, if present), two parallel sealing tapestrips 22 are formed, wherein a connecting section 24 remains betweenadjacent sealing tape strips 22. Each sealing tape strip 22 is formed bya foam strip 26 and by at least the subsections of first barrier layer 6applied to it.

Cut 20 is preferably introduced by a knife 28 into foam web 4 in thelongitudinal direction of the web and preferably parallel to thelongitudinal edges 30 of foam web 4. Longitudinal edges 30 are the edgesof foam web 4 which are parallel to conveying direction F and orthogonalto the axial direction of output roll 2, see FIG. 1a . To introduce cut20 into foam web 4, it is possible to use not only knife 28 but also anyof the other methods for cutting foam webs 4 familiar to the skilledperson such as saws, laser cutters, or water-jet cutters.

Cut 20 can either pass all the way through foam web 4 or not pass allthe way through foam web 4; in the latter case, a foam bridge remainsbehind between the two adjacent foam strips 26.

Regardless of whether a second barrier layer 10 is provided or not, cut20 can pass all the through foam web 4 or not pass completely throughit. If cut 20 passes all the way through foam web 4, the at least oneconnecting section 24 in the area of first surface 8 is formed by firstbarrier layer 6 alone. If cut 20 does not pass all the way through foamweb 4, the at least one connecting section 24 in the area of firstsurface 8 comprises a foam bridge and first barrier layer 6.

With a view to the subsequent method steps, it is preferable forconnecting section 24 to be as thin as possible. If connecting section24 is formed only by first barrier layer 6, this layer forms a kind ofhinge joint in the area of connecting section 24, which connects the twoadjacent foam strips 26 together in an articulated manner. A foam bridgebetween adjacent foam strips 26 also forms a hinge joint of this type.It must be taken into consideration, however, that, as the thickness ofthe foam bridge increases, the more difficult it becomes to fold oversealing tape strips 22 afterwards in the area of a connecting section 24comprising a foam bridge. If a foam bridge is provided, this preferablycomprises a thickness of no more than 10 mm, more preferably of no morethan 5 mm, and even more preferably of no more than 2 mm. The foambridge is especially well adapted to protecting first barrier layer 6from damage as first cut 20 is being introduced.

FIG. 8 shows the step of folding over sealing tapes 22 in the area ofconnecting section 24 to produce a foam-barrier layer web 32. Acorresponding foam-barrier layer web 32 is illustrated in FIG. 9.

Sealing tape strips 22 which have been separated from each other by cut20 are connected to each other in the area of first surface 8 byconnecting section 24. Sealing tape sections 22 are folded over in thearea of this connecting section 24 in such a way that the subsections offirst surface 8 which are adjacent to the common connecting section 24are opposite each other. That is, the subsections of first barrier layer6 of adjacent sealing tape strips 22 come to rest flat against eachother in the area of first surface 8.

The folding-over of sealing tape strips 22 in the area of connectingsections 24 is preferably carried out while foam web 4, i.e., sealingtape strips 22, are being transported in conveying direction F. Methodsand devices can also be provided to open cut 20. For example, sealingtape strips 22 are gripped and then foam web 4 is pulled apart intransverse direction Q to open cut 20. Alternatively, guides areintroduced into cut 20 and spread sealing tape strips 22 graduallyapart. The complete folding-over is accomplished in both cases byappropriate guides, which, for example, exert an appropriate pressure onthe opposing surfaces of sealing tape strips 22 and thus have the effectof folding sealing tape strips 22 over.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a foam-barrier layer web 32. As canbe seen, the inward-folded subsections of the first barrier layer 6 nowform a barrier layer which is accommodated between two adjacent foamstrips 26.

In FIG. 9, foam-barrier layer web 32 comprises a preferred,substantially flat shape. This is achieved in that, with respect totransverse direction Q, cut 20 is introduced into the middle of foam web4. It is therefore the same distance away from the left side surface offoam web 4 as it is from the right side surface, as a result of whichsealing tape strips 22 of equal width are produced. As can be derivedfrom a combined consideration of FIGS. 7-9, the width of sealing tapestrips 22 in foam web 4 according to FIG. 7 is, after the folding-overto form foam-barrier layer web 32 according to FIG. 9, equal to thethickness of sealing tape strips 22. A uniform width of sealing tapestrips 22 of foam web 4 thus leads to a uniform thickness of sealingtape strips 22 of foam-barrier layer web 32.

It can also be desirable, however, for cut 20, when seen in thetransverse direction Q of foam web 4, to be off-center, i.e., at unequaldistances from the left and right side surfaces of foam web 4. Sealingtape strips 22 of foam web 4 then comprise different widths. This hasthe result that sealing tape strips 22 of foam-barrier layer web 32 havedifferent thicknesses, as a result of which a profiled foam-barrierlayer web 32 is obtained. Areas of application are conceivable in which,in addition to interior barrier layer 6, certain areas of increasedcompression in a sealing tape are desired, which can then be achievedwith a foam-barrier layer web 32 which has been profiled in this way.

It is also preferable for the opposing subsections of first surface 8 ofsealing tape strips 22 provided with the first barrier layer 6 to bebonded to each other after the folding-over step. This can be done inparticular by heating sealing tape strips 22 before the bonding, so thatthe material of first barrier layer 6 is heated to a temperature aboveits melting point. Depending on the material used for barrier layer 6,the same possibilities are available here as those described above forbonding barrier layers 6, 10 to foam web 4.

The heating of the material of first barrier layer 6 can be achievedvery easily and uniformly by heating the entire foam web 4 before thesealing tape strips 22 are folded over. Sealing tape strips 22 are thenbonded together as soon as they are folded over to form foam-barrierlayer web 32. It is also possible, however, to heat foam-barrier layerweb 32 after sealing tape strips 22 have been folded over. It can besufficient to heat only edge areas of barrier layer 6, as long as thisensures a reliable bond between sealing tape strips 22 and foam-barrierlayer web 32.

Sealing tape strips 22 of foam-barrier layer web 32, furthermore, arepreferably pressed together after they have been heated. Pressure isapplied in the transverse direction to foam-barrier layer web 32 in adirection perpendicular to the subsections of first surface 8 orperpendicular to the subsections of first barrier layer 6. As a resultof the pressure, sealing tape strips 22 to be bonded together arepressed flat against each other to achieve a reliable bond which is ascomplete as possible. Even slight pressures can be sufficient for this.

Alternatively, in addition to the heating of sealing tape strips 22 orinstead of the heating of sealing tape strips 22, an additional bondingalternative such as an adhesive can be introduced between sealing tapestrips 22.

If the original foam web 4 was not already impregnated, the step ofimpregnating it can be carried out now. This is usually done by rollingin an immersion bath of an impregnating agent, squeezing out the excessimpregnating agent, and drying with the input of heat. The impregnationstep can also be carried out at other points of the process.

As a result of the folding-over of sealing tape strips 22, the width ofthe structure to be subjected to further processing changes from thewidth of foam web 4 to the width of foam-barrier layer web 32. In apreferred embodiment, the width of foam-barrier layer web 32 is smallerthan the width of foam web 4. It can therefore be desirable, before thesubsequent steps, to arrange at least two foam-barrier layer webs 32next to each other and, under certain circumstances, to bond themtogether. The bringing-together of several foam-barrier layer webs 32 isdone before foam-barrier layer web 32 is wound up into a roll. In thefollowing, therefore, foam-barrier layer web 32 under discussion cantherefore always be a wider web formed out of several narrowerfoam-barrier layer webs 32.

Finally, at least one sealing tape roll 34 is formed from foam-barrierlayer web 32. According to the embodiment of the method in which aplurality of foam-barrier layer webs 32 is brought together to form awider foam-barrier layer web 32, foam-barrier layer web 32 is wound updirectly into a roll, which corresponds to sealing tape roll 34. Sealingtape roll 34 comprises an interior barrier layer formed by first barrierlayer 6, which extends in the radial direction of sealing tape roll 34and is accommodated axially between two foam strips 26.

In alternative embodiments, in which multiple foam-barrier layer webs 32are joined together to form a wide foam-barrier layer web 32, sealingtapes can be obtained from foam-barrier layer web 32 in the same way asthat described above in connection with FIGS. 5a and 5c . The roll thencorresponds either to a sealing tape roll 34 with a plurality ofinterior barrier layers (FIG. 5a ) or to an intermediate roll 36 (FIG.5b ). A cut 42 can also be introduced into the wide foam-barrier layerweb 32 to divide it into at least two foam-barrier layer strips 44according to FIG. 5c , and foam-barrier layer strips 44 can then bewound up into sealing tape rolls 34. For the other details, reference ismade to the discussion of FIGS. 5a -5 c.

Another alternative exemplary embodiment of the method according to theinvention is described on the basis of FIGS. 10-12.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the first step in this embodiment as well isto provide foam web 4, which corresponds to a first foam web 4, and toapply first barrier layer 6 to first surface 8. Second barrier layer 10is also preferably applied to second surface 12 of first foam web 4.Next, the step of applying a second foam web 52 to first barrier layer 6is carried out. A third barrier layer 54 is preferably applied to afirst surface 56 of second foam web 52. First surface 56 of second foamweb 52 corresponds in this example to a top surface of second foam web52, whereas a second surface 58 of second foam web 52 corresponds to abottom surface of that web. Second surface 58 of second foam web 52 liesflat against first barrier layer 6.

A third foam web 60, furthermore, can be applied to third barrier layer54. Third foam web 60 comprises a first surface 62 and a second surface64, wherein first surface 62 corresponds to a top surface and secondsurface 64 to a bottom surface of third foam web 60. Second surface 64of third foam web 60 lies flat against third barrier layer 54. Finally,it is preferable to apply a fourth barrier layer 66 to first surface 62of third foam web 60. Each barrier layer 6, 10, 54, 66 is bonded to theadjacent foam web or adjacent foam webs 4, 52, 60. In regard to thematerials of the barrier layers and to the bonding of a barrier layer toa foam web, reference can be made to the discussion of first barrierlayer 6 and to the bonding of that barrier layer to foam web 4.

The application of additional foam webs and barrier layers can berepeated as often as desired to produce a multilayer foam web-barrierlayer stack. After the multilayer foam web-barrier layer stack of thedesired thickness has been produced, the method is continued accordingto FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 shows the step of introducing at least one first cut 18 and atleast one second cut 20 into the multilayer foam web-barrier layerstack. The at least one first cut 18 is introduced here as well into thefirst surface of first foam web 4, and the at least one second cut 20is, in this case as well, introduced into second surface 12 of firstfoam web 4. More precisely, the at least one first cut 18 is introducedfrom the first surface of the uppermost foam web—here first surface 62of third foam web 60—into the foam web-barrier layer stack. Second cut20 is introduced starting from the second surface of the lowermost foamweb, here second surface 12 of first foam web 4, into the foamweb-barrier layer stack. As a result of the introduction of the at leastone first cut 18 and of the at least one second cut 20 in thelongitudinal direction of foam webs 4, 52, 60, parallel sealing tapesections 68 are formed. A connecting section 24 remains behind betweentwo adjacent sealing tape sections 68.

It can be seen that the introduction of the at least one first cut 18and the introduction of the at least one second cut 20 are carried outin the same way, as was described in connection with FIG. 2 pertainingto the first exemplary embodiment.

Sealing tape sections 68 in this exemplary embodiment are formed out ofseveral sealing tape strips 22 arranged on top of each other. Eachsealing tape section 68 therefore consists of a plurality of foam strips4, 52, 60 and a plurality of barrier layers 6, 10, 54, 66. Sealing tapesections 68 adjacent to a first cut 18 are joined together by aconnecting section 24 in the area of the second surface of the lowermostfoam web, here second surface 12 of first foam web 4. Sealing tapesections 68 adjacent to a second cut 20 are joined together by aconnecting section 24 in the area of the first surface of the uppermostfoam web, here first surface 62 of third foam web 60. Each connectingsection 24 can comprise a foam bridge or be formed only by barrier layer6, 66 arranged in connecting section 24 in question.

FIG. 11 illustrates the step of folding over sealing tape sections 68produced by the cutting operation. The folding-over of sealing tapesections 68 is carried out in the area of connecting sections 24 toproduce a foam-barrier layer web like that shown in FIG. 12. This meansthat, here, too, sealing tape strips 22 out of which each sealing tapesection is formed are folded over in the area of connecting sections 24.

Sealing tape sections 68 are folded over in such a way that subsectionsof first surface 8 of the lowermost foam web 4, which are each adjacentto a common connecting section 24, are opposite each other, andsubsections of second surface 64 of uppermost foam web 60, which areeach adjacent to a common connecting section 24, are opposite eachother. For the rest, what was said concerning FIG. 3 also applies here,except that, in place of one sealing tape strip 22, a multilayer sealingtape section 68 is present.

The two subsections of the barrier layer adjacent to a common connectingsection 24 in the area of the first surface of the uppermost foam web,here first surface 62 of third foam web 60, form in each case a firstbarrier layer section 70, which, after the sealing tape sections 68 havebeen folded over, is accommodated between two sealing tape sections 68.The two subsections of the barrier layer adjacent to a common connectingsection 24 in the area of the second surface of the lowermost foam web,here second surface 12 of first foam web 4, form in each case a secondbarrier layer section 72, which, after sealing tape sections 68 havebeen folded over, are accommodated between two sealing tape sections 68.

It can be seen that, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 10-12, the atleast one first barrier layer section 70 is part of the first barrierlayer 6, and the at least one second barrier layer section 72 is part ofthe second barrier layer 10.

FIG. 12 shows a foam-barrier layer web 32 produced by the folding-overstep according to FIG. 11, which consists of a plurality of sealing tapesections 68 arranged next to each other. As can be seen, the at leastone first barrier layer section 70 and the at least one second barrierlayer section 72 now form barrier layers which are accommodated betweentwo adjacent sealing tape sections 68. In addition, each sealing tapesection also contains two additional barrier layers, which consist ofthe folded-over subsections of first and third barrier layers 6, 54. Itis preferable for sealing tape sections 68 to be bonded together afterthey have been folded over in the same way as sealing tape strips 22 ofthe embodiment according to FIG. 4. Sealing tape sections 68 are alsoheated, preferably before the folding-over step, but also,alternatively, they can be heated after the folding-over.

In analogy to FIGS. 5a-5c , at least one sealing tape roll can be formedfrom foam-barrier layer web 32 according to FIG. 12. For this purpose,foam-barrier layer web 32 can be either wound up immediately into asealing tape roll 34; wound up into an intermediate roll 36, which iscut through at several points in the axial direction to form a pluralityof sealing tape rolls 34; or, by the introduction of at least one cut 42into foam-barrier layer web 32, separated into a plurality offoam-barrier layer strips 44, which are then wound up into individualsealing tape rolls 34. The details on the production of sealing taperolls from foam-barrier layer web 32 can be found in the description ofFIGS. 5a -5 c.

Finally, a sealing element produced according to the invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 4 and 12. The sealing element can be asealing tape to be rolled up into a sealing tape roll 34 consisting offlexible, compressible foam with at least one barrier layer extending inthe radial direction. The sealing element, however, can also befoam-barrier layer web 32, from which a sealing tape roll is formed overthe further course of processing.

Sealing element 74 of flexible foam has a top surface 76, a bottomsurface 78, and two side surfaces 80, 82, which connect the top surface76 to the bottom surface 78. The sealing element 74 also comprises atleast three sealing tape sections 68. Sealing tape sections 68 eachcomprise one or more sealing tape strips 22.

The sealing tape sections are arranged next to each other in afunctional direction of sealing element 74. The “functional direction”is parallel to the top and bottom surfaces 76, 78 and perpendicular tothe side surfaces 80, 82 and is indicated in FIG. 12 by the arrow X.

At least one first barrier layer section 70 and at least one secondbarrier layer section 72 are each accommodated between two adjacentsealing tape sections 68. The at least one first barrier layer section70 and the at least one second barrier layer section 72 bond sealingtape sections 68 in question together and are parallel to side surfaces80, 82 of sealing element 74. If sealing tape sections 68 each compriseseveral sealing tape strips 22, additional barrier layer sections 6, 54,which are parallel to side surfaces 80, 82, are then accommodated ineach sealing tape section.

In an installed state in which sealing element 74 is accommodated in ajoint between a frame element and a masonry wall, top surface 76 andbottom surface 78 rest against the opposing surfaces forming the joint,i.e., between a surface of the frame element and a surface of themasonry wall. Barrier layer sections 70, 72 extend transversely throughthe joint from the frame element to the masonry wall. This isillustrated by the fact that functional direction X is perpendicular tothe planes of first barrier layer section 70 and of second barrier layersection 72.

The at least one first barrier layer section 70 and the at least onesecond barrier layer section 72 each form a loop 50 between adjacentsealing tape sections 68. According to the invention, at least one firstbarrier layer section 70 forms the loop 50 in the area of bottom surface78 of sealing element 74, and at least one second barrier layer section72 forms loop 50 in the area of top surface 76 of sealing element 74. Ifsealing element 74 comprises several first barrier layer sections 70and/or several second barrier layer sections 72, then, when seen infunctional direction X, a first barrier layer section 70 and a secondbarrier layer section 72 always occur in alternation. The reason forthis is that, as is preferred, at least one first cut 18 and at leastone second cut 20 are also introduced in transverse direction Q of foamweb 4 in alternation with each other.

Loop 50 is formed by the folding-over of sealing tape sections 68 andthe accompanying folding-over of barrier layer sections 70, 72. Eachloop 50 comprises two substantially parallel legs and a curved partconnecting the legs. The legs of loop 50 are formed by the subsectionsof the first and second barrier layer sections 70, 72 which are restingflat against the associated adjacent foam strips 26. In the area ofconnecting section 24, barrier layer sections 70, 72 form, after thefolding-over of sealing tape sections 68, a curved part, so that the twolegs of loop 50 come to rest against each other.

To connect two adjacent sealing tape sections 68 together, the two legsof loop 50 are bonded together. Preferably the legs of loop 50 arebonded together over their entire surfaces. A partial bond, however, canbe sufficient to connect sealing tape sections 68. If sufficientpressure is exerted on foam-barrier layer web 32 in functional directionX, loop 50 can also be bonded in the curved part.

To form sealing element 74, it is also preferable for at least one firstbarrier layer section 70 and at least one second barrier layer section72 to comprise a film material. Possible materials for such a film havealready been described above in reference to the materials of first andsecond barrier layers 6, 10.

A wide variety of materials are available for the various partsdiscussed and illustrated herein. While the principles of this devicehave been described in connection with specific embodiments, it shouldbe understood clearly that these descriptions are made only by way ofexample and are not intended to limit the scope of the device.

1. A method for the production of a sealing tape roll of flexible,compressible foam with at least one barrier layer extending in a radialdirection, which is arranged axially between two layers of foam,comprising: providing a foam web of a flexible foam; applying a firstbarrier layer to a first surface of the foam web; introducing at leastone first cut into the first surface of the foam web in a longitudinaldirection of the foam web, and introducing at least one second cut intoa second surface of the foam web opposite the first surface in alongitudinal direction of the foam web and offset in a transversedirection of the foam web from the at least one first cut, to formparallel sealing tape strips, wherein a connecting section remainsbetween two adjacent sealing tape strips; folding over the sealing tapestrips in an area of the connecting sections to produce a foam-barrierlayer web in such a way that subsections of the first surface which areeach adjacent to a common connecting section are opposite each other,and subsections of the second surface which are each adjacent to acommon connecting section are opposite each other; and (i) winding upthe foam-barrier layer web to form the sealing tape roll with at leastone barrier layer extending in the radial direction; or (ii) winding upthe foam-barrier layer web to form an intermediate roll and cutting theintermediate roll all the way through at one or more points in the axialdirection to produce a plurality of sealing tape rolls less wide thanthe intermediate roll, wherein each of the plurality of sealing taperolls has a barrier layer extending in the radial direction; or (iii)introducing at least one cut into the foam-barrier layer web in alongitudinal direction of the foam-barrier layer web to formfoam-barrier layer strips, and winding up the foam-barrier layer stripsto form sealing tape rolls, wherein each sealing tape roll has at leastone barrier layer extending in the radial direction.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising applying a second barrier layer to the secondsurface of the foam web.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein at least twofirst cuts and/or at least two second cuts are introduced into the foamweb in such a way that, seen in the transverse direction of the foamweb, a first cut and a second cut are introduced into the foam web inalternation.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one first cutand the at least one second cut are introduced equal distances apartfrom each other in the transverse direction in order to produce sealingtape strips of equal width.
 5. The method of claim 2 wherein the atleast one first cut passes all the way through the foam web, so that theat least one connecting section in the area of the second surface isformed by the second barrier layer alone, and wherein the at least onesecond cut does not pass all the way through the foam web, so that theat least one connecting section in the area of the first surfacecomprises a foam bridge.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the at leastone first cut does not pass all the way through the foam web, so thatthe at least one connecting section in the area of the second surfacecomprises a foam bridge, and wherein the at least one second cut passesall the way through the foam web, so that the at least one connectingsection in the area of the first surface is formed by the first barrierlayer alone.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein neither the at least onefirst cut nor the at least one second cut passes all the way through thefoam web, so that the at least one connecting section in the area of thefirst surface comprises a foam bridge, and the at least one connectingsection in the area of the second surface comprises a foam bridge. 8.The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one first cut and the atleast one second cut each pass all the way through the foam web, so thatthe at least one connecting section in the area of the first surface isformed by the first barrier layer alone, and the at least one connectingsection in the area of the second surface is formed by the secondbarrier layer alone.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein thecutting-through of the intermediate roll according to alternative (ii)or the introduction of at least one cut according to alternative (iii)are carried out on a foam strip of the intermediate roll and on a foamstrip of the foam-barrier layer web, respectively.
 10. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising, after the folding-over step, thebonding-together of the opposing subsections of the first or secondsurface of the sealing tape strips provided with the first barrier layeror the second barrier layer.
 11. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising the heating of the sealing tape strips before the bonding ofthe sealing tape strips, so that the adhesion of the first barrier layerand/or of the second barrier layer is increased for the sake of thebonding between the sealing tape strips.
 12. The method of claim 11wherein the heating is carried out before the folding-over of thesealing tape strips.
 13. A method for the production of a sealing taperoll of flexible, compressible foam with a barrier layer extending inthe radial direction, which is arranged axially between two layers offoam, comprising: providing a foam web of a flexible foam; applying abarrier layer to a first surface of the foam web; introducing a cut intoa second surface of the foam web opposite the first surface in alongitudinal direction of the foam web to form parallel sealing tapestrips, wherein a connecting section remains between the sealing tapestrips; folding over the sealing tape strips in an area of theconnecting section to produce a foam-barrier layer web in such a waythat two subsections of the first surface which are adjacent to theconnecting section are opposite each other; and winding up thefoam-barrier layer web into the sealing tape roll with at least onebarrier layer extending in the radial direction.